How many business ideas have come from a group of people sitting around over a few beers? Must be thousands, maybe millions, right? But when you look beyond the idea stage and see how many of those folks actually executed on one of those ideas, the numbers drop exponentially. This week on the Small Business Show, we get to spend time with one of those guys that has executed and built a wildly successful business. Listen in and learn how Tim Cote took Commonwealth Foreign Exchange from an idea over a few beers to a powerhouse in the currency exchange and payment processing industry. Tim shares some great stories about hustling to pay the bills when Commonwealth was young to hiring their first employee that is still with them today.

We had a great time talking to Tim, learning about Commonwealth and sharing stories about moving from idea to execution. Join us and let us know what you think! Send a text or leave a voicemail at 401-472-4249.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 33:50 — 15.6MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | Email | Google Podcasts | RSS | More

Welcome to episode 76 of the Small Business Show!

This week, Dave is back from Europe and shares some time saving strategies that are good for travel as well as in your daily business. We then get an update from Shannon about his social media business experiment (spoiler alert: it’s working!) and we spend a few minutes sharing Scott from DC’s experience with community banks and why he feels they are a good fit for cash businesses. Want to share a story, ask a question or offer a critique? You can text or leave us a voicemail at 401-472-4249.

We wrap up the show with a question from Sharon L. who wants to know how and where to source products to sell. It’s a tricky question, Sharon, but we hope we at least got you started on the right path to finding sources for a product that might work for you.

Listen in for these stories and more!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 36:22 — 16.7MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | Email | Google Podcasts | RSS | More

On this week’s episode of the Small Business Show, one of our hosts is starting a new business. But, there’s a twist! They have vowed to do things completely different than they have in the past by focusing solely on social media for promotion and to sell their products only using apps on their phone. Listen in and then stay tuned to find out if this experiment will be a profitable one, or just a learning experience!

We also dive into a Small Business Study that surveyed thousands of Small Businesses to learn about the surprising demographics of most small business owners. Hint: it’s not what you think it is!

Show links from our discussion include:

Poshmark

Small Business Owner Study

Free worldwide Boingo Wireless for SPG Amex cardholders!

eBay mobile selling app.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 28:56 — 13.3MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | Email | Google Podcasts | RSS | More

It’s time for a Rant! Specifically, Small Business Show co-host Shannon Jean has had it with a new bank that does a poor job of managing customer expectations. After Dave calms Shannon down, we dig deeper into ways to manage your customers expectations so you can be a hero to your clients as well as your employees.

The discussion leads us into the dreaded Terms and Conditions document and how to not rely on it too much when trying to make your customers happy. We wrap up the show with a crucial question to ask your employees that can make their jobs much better.

Listen in! Then, share your story by visiting our Facebook page or texting us at 401-472-4249.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 31:49 — 14.7MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | Email | Google Podcasts | RSS | More